ARTICLE: Instructions encourage users to report crass comments

Users are more likely to report crass comments, if they are made aware of the community guidelines prior to reading comments on a news website, write Teresa K. Naab and Anja Kalch, both of University of Augsburg. They conducted two experiments on German college students to see how different conditions affected their “flagging” behaviour (i.e. reporting comments).

Having users read instructions on acceptable behaviour and how to report misbehaviour will increase the flagging of non-compliant comments. Furthermore, the subsequent responses (or lack thereof) affect the willingness to report: if an uncivil comment gathers further uncivil support the likelihood of reporting increases.

The article “Flagging uncivil user comments” was published by the journal New Media & Society. It is available online (abstract free).

Related posts:

Give us feedback

Your name:

Your email:

We will use your email address only to possibly contact you regarding your feedback.

Topic:

Comments:*

What's the answer?

Thanks for feedback!

Our website uses cookies to improve user experience and provide us data about traffic to our service. We do not store any personal data about you. You can adjust the use of cookies or opt out. Read more from our privacy policy.